The Republicans are doing everything they can to make this Democratic controlled Congress look worse than the one that preceded it. House and Senate Republicans are stopping all efforts to bring change to Washington, and the American people are suffering for it.

The level of partisan gridlock is stunning.

Last month alone, the Republicans blocked bills on global warming, an effort to halt the mortgage meltdown, an effort to lower fuel prices, and key medicare reform.

First the Republicans couldn’t do anything when they had a majority, now they refuse help to average people out of spite for the Democrats.

It’s pathetic.

In this Congress, the Republicans have shattered the filibuster record as well.

Imagine that.

The medicare care is a big one. With it’s defeat, comes a Bush backed agenda that puts private insurers ahead of seniors and military personnel returning from Iraq. In the end, it means many of these people may be denied medicare if they apply as a new patient.

But the Republicans don’t seem to care. It’s just business as usual.

Senator Dick Durbin said, “There will be a lot of talk about patriotism over this Fourth of July weekend and many senators will rightfully praise our military,” he added. “But true patriotism means honoring the men and women in uniform who defend our freedoms – not just with words and flag lapel pins, but with actions befitting their great sacrifices.”

I couldn’t agree more.

The Republicans and indeed all conservatives continue to beat the drum when it comes to the military, yet they consistently fail to deliver to the American people. Worst of all, now they’re blaming the Democrats for doing nothing!

They claim they are the party that will keep America safe.

They claim they are the party that will defeat terrorism.

Yet, when it comes time to honor military service, the Republicans seem to ignore our nation’s defenders.

Men and women returning home from combat are subjected to mediocre medical facilities, cuts in benefits, bankruptcy, and denied healthcare.

King Bush remarked recently, “These brave Americans make it possible for America to endure as a free society,” the president added. “So on this Fourth of July, we owe all those who wear the uniform of the United States a special debt of gratitude. And we thank their families for supporting them in this crucial time for our Nation.”

Tell me George – is abusing troops who are returning home the Republicans’ idea of thanks? If it is, I’ll stick with the other guys thanks.

The Obama campaign is up in arms about a section of President Bush’s recent speech in Israel to the members of the Knesset, that suggested Obama is foolish and naive regarding his position on Iran.

Bush calling someone else a fool always makes me giggle a bit.

Anyways…

In response, Senator Barack Obama issued a statement, calling it “a false political attack” and an “extraordinary politicization of foreign policy.”

What’s the problem?

Bush criticized Obama in his typical underhanded way, without mentioning him specifically by name.

He commented on Iran:

“Some seem to believe we should negotiate with terrorists and radicals, as if some ingenious argument will persuade them they have been wrong all along.”

“We have heard this foolish delusion before. As Nazi tanks crossed into Poland in 1939, an American senator declared: “Lord, if only I could have talked to Hitler, all of this might have been avoided.” We have an obligation to call this what it is – the false comfort of appeasement, which has been repeatedly discredited by history.”

Update George: Iran couldn’t polish Nazi Germany’s military shoes when it comes to being a world threat.

Obama’s response:

“It is sad that President Bush would use a speech to the Knesset on the 60th anniversary of Israel’s independence to launch a false political attack. It is time to turn the page on eight years of policies that have strengthened Iran and failed to secure America or our ally Israel. Instead of tough talk and no action, we need to do what Kennedy, Nixon and Reagan did and use all elements of American power – including tough, principled, and direct diplomacy – to pressure countries like Iran and Syria. George Bush knows that I have never supported engagement with terrorists, and the President’s extraordinary politicization of foreign policy and the politics of fear do nothing to secure the American people or our stalwart ally Israel.”

Amen.

Who gives a shit what the worst President, in the history of this country, has to say about anything – especially foreign policy. Obama nailed it by including Nixon and Reagan in his response. Nixon negotiated with China, and Reagan negotiated with Russia. However, George Bush seems to have it implanted firmly in his feeble mind that Iran cannot be talked to. They wield more influence or pose a greater threat than Russia or China during the Cold War I suppose.